The chronology of Iran-US relationship
By Prabha, June 28,2025
The Origins (Pre-1979 Revolution)
Before 1979, the U.S. and Iran were close allies.
The U.S. had helped install Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in power after a CIA-backed coup in 1953 that overthrew Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh (who had nationalized Iran’s oil).
Iran, under the Shah, was pro-Western, anti-Communist, and a key U.S. partner in the Middle East during the Cold War.
The U.S. provided Iran with military aid, training, and nuclear technology for peaceful energy purposes.
The 1979 Iranian Revolution — The Break
Relations Collapse
In 1979, the Islamic Revolution overthrew the Shah. Ayatollah Khomeini established an Islamic theocracy.
Shortly after, Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American diplomats hostage for 444 days.
This hostage crisis ended U.S.-Iran diplomatic relations. Washington imposed economic sanctions and froze Iranian assets.
The U.S. has not had an embassy in Iran since then.
Decades of Hostility (1980s–2000s)
1980s: Proxy Conflicts
The U.S. supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88), leading to further Iranian resentment.
Iran began building its missile and defense capabilities with North Korean and Russian help.
1990s–2000s: Terrorism & Sanctions
The U.S. accused Iran of funding terrorist groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and various Shi’a militias in Iraq and Syria.
Iran was labelled part of the “Axis of Evil” by President George W. Bush in 2002.
The U.S. and its allies feared Iran’s nuclear energy program was a cover for developing nuclear weapons.
The Nuclear Crisis — Why the U.S. Wants to Stop Iran
Why the U.S. Fears Iran with Nukes:
- Regional Power Imbalance:
A nuclear Iran would tilt the power balance in the Middle East — threatening Israel, Saudi Arabia, and U.S. allies. - Terrorism Risk:
Iran funds proxy groups. The fear is that nuclear weapons or nuclear technology could end up in the hands of non-state actors. - Nuclear Arms Race:
If Iran gets the bomb, other countries (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey) may pursue nukes, destabilizing the region. - Anti-American Rhetoric:
Iranian leaders have often called the U.S. the “Great Satan” and openly oppose U.S. influence in the region. - Threat to Israel:
Iran has made threatening statements against Israel, America’s closest ally. A nuclear-armed Iran is seen as an existential threat to Israel.
The Nuclear Deal (JCPOA)
The 2015 Breakthrough (Obama Era):
After years of negotiations, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed in 2015 between Iran and P5+1 (U.S., UK, France, Russia, China + Germany).
Iran agreed to:
Limit uranium enrichment.
Allow international inspections.
Reduce its centrifuges and enriched uranium stockpile.
In return, the U.S. and others lifted economic sanctions.
Trump Withdraws from the Deal (2018)
In 2018, President Donald Trump called the JCPOA a “terrible deal” and unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from it.
He imposed a “maximum pressure” campaign with harsh economic sanctions.
Iran responded by gradually violating parts of the deal, enriching uranium beyond the agreed limits.
Tensions Escalate (2019–2024)
The U.S. and Iran almost went to war multiple times:
2019: Iran shot down a U.S. drone.
2020: U.S. killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike.
Iran launched missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq in response.
Iran ramped up uranium enrichment, nearing weapons-grade levels, though it denies wanting a bomb.
Where Things Stand Now (as of 2025)
Iran’s nuclear program is more advanced than ever, but still lacks a fully developed nuclear weapon.
Diplomatic talks have stalled, but both sides occasionally signal willingness to negotiate.
Recent U.S. or Israeli strikes (as seen in your previous news text) have allegedly targeted Iranian nuclear sites, claiming to set back the program.
Iran has increased its military cooperation with Russia and China, complicating U.S. containment efforts.
Why the U.S. Wants to Destroy Iran’s Nuclear Program
The U.S. doesn’t trust Iran’s intentions due to:
Its history of supporting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel groups.
Its lack of transparency.
Its threats to key allies and U.S. interests.
The goal isn’t just to stop one bomb — it’s to prevent a domino effect of instability, nuclear arms races, and terrorism risks.
